"Now, the last 6 years have shown clearly that the Washington Press Corps is like a group of frisky puppies - they're cute, they're easily confused, and as long as you give them snacks (i.e., the occasional interview or leak), take them out for an occasional walk, and offer an occasional pat on the head, they will (for the most part) return unconditional love and affection. (If any of the puppies exhibits unseemly distemper, you just call Rupert, Jeffrey, Bob, or Dick, and they'll take care of calming the bad puppies down, muzzling them, or putting them to sleep.)"